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‘a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled’ (WHO, 2006a)1.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are among the most common acute conditions in the world. There has been a steady rise in the four most common curable STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trichomoniasis) in the last 20 years.2 It is estimated that there are nearly one million new infections with curable STIs globally every day.2 STIs can result in significant reproductive health morbidity, stigma, vulnerability and shame, and have been associated with gender-based violence,3 all of which contribute to the poor sexual health outcomes for men and women (see box).

There has been unprecedented movement of refugees in the last year. More than a million refugees/migrants passed into Europe in 2015—the majority via sea.4 Recent figures show in January 2016, there was a 21-fold increase in refugees and migrants arriving in Greece by sea.4 These people are mostly from …

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